UK North Sea Scott Platform Celebrates 600 Million Barrels

The Scott platform is celebrating its 600th million barrel of oil equivalent after 22 successful years in production.

Scott is Nexen’s longest-owned producing platforms in the North Sea, and is currently ranked as one of the UK’s top 10 oil and gas producing assets.

The field initially began producing in 1993 from the Scott platform. The development was then extended to include Telford in 1996, and Rochelle was tied back to the Scott platform in 2013. Collectively, the trio is known as Nexen’s "STaR" assets, an ideal name which has reflected its prolific production capacity over the past two decades.

“We’re delighted at Scott’s long-standing performance and immense production; the field has surpassed all expectations,” explains Archie Kennedy, Managing Director, Nexen Petroleum UK. “Back in 2009, Scott’s end-of-field life was forecast to halt in 2015, but improved technologies combined with infill drilling and production opportunities have pushed this date out to 2024 – and potentially beyond.”

Craig McKenzie, Nexen’s Scott/Telford Area Development Manager adds: “In Scott, Nexen has a very significant North Sea asset – it will continue to provide energy security to the UK for many years to come.”

Around 220 people work aboard the Scott platform, which is located about 116 miles northeast of Aberdeen. Oil from Scott is exported via the Forties pipeline, while natural gas is exported via the SAGE pipeline to the St Fergus Gas terminal.

Future of Scott

A new drilling program is due to commence soon on the field, with preparations underway to use Scott’s own built-in drill package.

“We are re-activating the platform rig to deliver more Scott production in 2016 onwards, including drilling more wells on Telford,” says Craig. “Nexen is also investing heavily in maintaining the integrity of the platform, which will ensure the longevity of the field for many years to come.”

Water injection is an area of great focus to boost Scott production levels. In addition, other field development opportunities in the area are currently being evaluated to determine which have the potential to add even more life to the asset.